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Tennessee football recruiting: Vols 2019 class by the numbers

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Tennessee mascot Davy Crockett carries the flag across the end zone during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Tennessee mascot Davy Crockett carries the flag across the end zone during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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2. Number of players by position

Offensive players: 11

Quarterbacks: 1

Running backs: 1

Tight ends: 2

Wide receivers: 2

Offensive linemen: 5

Defensive players: 10

Defensive tackles: 3

Defensive ends: 1

Linebackers: 1

Defensive backs: 5*

Athletes: 2

More from Vols Football

Tennessee football’s focus was clearly on three things: Defensive tackle, defensive back and offensive line. That all makes sense. We broke down in the junior college section why defensive tackle is such a big deal.

Well, defensive backs are too. The Vols lost two safeties from last year and will lose Nigel Warrior after this year. They also have no depth at cornerback behind Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor, so five commitments there mattered. It was actually six when you consider the fact that three-star athlete Aaron Beasley is likely to play safety.

Then you have offensive line. Last year, the Vols’ offensive line was historically bad. On top of that, this offseason, Chance Hall has given up football, Drew Richmond is transferring, and the best lineman from last year, Trey Smith, still may not return. As a result, Pruitt’s focus on that position was a big deal, and with five commits, including three four-stars and a five-star, he came through.

Linebacker technically only has one commitment, but it really has two with Quavaris Crouch, a four-star athlete, also likely to play linebacker. He and Henry To’oto’o could become an elite duo together, and they’ll be needed early after this year.

light. Related Story. 5 takeaways from Vols National Signing Day

Pruitt also continued a necessary tradition of the Vols getting one quarterback a class. He came up short at receiver, where he has big needs for the future but only got two players to commit. Still, he has time there, and at least those players brought quality. Two tight ends load up that position, as does the one running back, Eric Gray, for that position. A defensive end commit for outside linebacker is always a focus, but it wasn’t a desperate need in this class.

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